Sergeant Sam Cooper said the owner of one bar closed the premises voluntarily after a man was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply following the discovery of a large amount of cannabis, white powder and cash.

Sgt Coopers said a ‘large number of young persons were also identified inside the premises and safeguarding concerns were raised’.

She said ‘the premises were closed by the owner with immediate effect and will remain closed for the foreseeable future’. Sgt Cooper said ‘several other related offences have been identified at premises across the city’ and enquiries are being carried out by licensing and safeguarding officers.

She added: “We will all be working together in the next few weeks to prevent these offences continuing and so that any appropriate action is taken."